Match Preview

Everton host Manchester City in one of the stand out fixtures of the weekend. The Toffees will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the 2015/16 Premier League season while City want to maintain their 100% record.

Everton come into the game off the back of their impressive 3-0 away win against Southampton, which was a bit of a shock result considering the qualities the Saints possess. Roberto Martinez will be pleased with his sides start to the season and although it is a very early stage, his players seem to have clicked into gear.

Romelu Lukaku has wasted no time finding his feet this season, with that impressive brace last weekend. He will be expecting to better last seasons tally of ten league goals and is looking sharp, he could cause the City defence all sorts of problems.

Last seasons meeting between the sides ended 1-1 at Goodison Park, this game provides a good chance for Martinez’s men to send out a message that they are ready to challenge for a top four spot.

Manchester City have started the season in scintillating form. They have the look of a complete team and seem to have ironed out some of those defensive frailties which cost them so badly last campaign.

Manuel Pellegrini will be delighted with the demolition of title rivals Chelsea and City showed their desire to regain their Premier League crown from the Blues.

City will be well aware of Everton’s performance against Southampton but will be expecting to take all three points here. Raheem Sterling can expect a hostile welcome from the home fans given his Liverpool connection, he will be keen to show why City paid the staggering fee to acquire his services.

Sergio Aguero tormented the Chelsea defence last weekend and he will be looking to win the golden boot once again. His tally of 26 league goals was enough to win the accolade last campaign and no doubt he will be challenging all season to better that total. City are an immense force with their spine of Joe Hart, captain Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero in form, and those four players have started the season very well.

Team News

Everton have five injury concerns. Martinez is expected to be without fan-favourtie Leighton Baines until November as he is recovering from an ankle injury. Tony Hibbert, Aidan McGeady, Darron Gibson and Steven Pienaar are all set to be sidelined for this one. Martinez is unlikely to upset the balance of his side after their 3-0 win over Southampton so he will more than likely field the same starting 11.

Manchester City are without Fernando and Pablo Zabaleta. New signing Fabian Delph could return but that will more than likely be a place on the bench if he is declared fit. This weeks £32 million signing, Nicolas Otamendi, is expected to have to wait for his full debut, as Manuel Pellegrini, similarly to Roberto Martinez, will leave his side unchanged.

Key Points

Everton’s form: D/W

Manchester City’s form: W/W

Key Stat: Ruthless – Manchester City have won their last eight Premier League outings, they’re averaging three goals a game having scored netted 24 times in those eight matches.

Key Player: Sergio Aguero – The Argentinian is unplayable at the top of his game. He will be eager to build on his performance from last weekend.